Regardless of the discipline, the first step in developing a program is conducting a needs assessment. This systematic approach seeks information from clientele or secondary sources as to a gap or need – a societal, personal, economic, or environmental issue, for instance, that must be addressed and that requires some planned actions to have a positive impact on improving or changing the identified situation.
To prepare for this discussion:
• Reflect on the process for conducting needs assessment and process evaluation.
To complete this week’s discussion:
Describe how you would design a needs assessment of a human service program (or program you are familiar with) that combines secondary data, impressionistic, and community surveys. Be sure to describe:
o The program
o The purpose of the needs assessment.
o How a logic model will inform the design of the needs assessment.